Toronto's secret weapon

David Steckel was not named one of the three stars in the Toronto Maple Leafs' third straight victory Saturday night. If he had been, however, nobody would have batted an eye.

At least nobody who understands the importance of winning faceoffs.

Steckel, something of a faceoff specialist, was 7-0 in draws in the third period as the Maple Leafs overcame a 2-0 deficit to maintain their perfect record in 2011-12 with a 3-2 win over the visiting Calgary Flames. More importantly, the 6-foot-6, 215-pounder won four consecutive defensive zone faceoffs late in the game while the Leafs were a man short. His ability to help his team gain control of the puck in that situation was every bit as important as the two goals Phil Kessel scored or any of the 23 saves made by goalie James Reimer.

Steckel finished 12-5 (71 per cent) on the night in the faceoff circle after going 35-for-51 in Toronto's first two games. Not surprising really, considering he led the NHL in faceoff efficiency last season winning 62.3 percent of his draws. That's one of the main reasons why the Maple Leafs acquired him from the New Jersey Devils just before the season began.

Winning draws is a big part of Steckel's game.

"I think it doesn't define me as a player, but it's a big part of my game," Steckel told sportsnet.ca. "I want to be out there in those situations. I like thriving in those situations and in order to do that you have to win faceoffs. The two go hand-in-hand."

Overall the Maple Leafs had a great night in the faceoff circle winning 56 times and losing 26. Steckel is not a big offensive threat so he knows he needs to bring something else to the table if he is to remain relevant. Like most faceoff specialists, he keeps tabs on his winning percentage as the game progresses.

"I found out I was at 50 per cent after two periods and I didn't like that," Steckel said. "I knew I had to bear down a little more."

The Maple Leafs had a week off between their second and third games and it showed as the Flames took a 2-0 first period lead. Friday the Leafs spoke about being worried they might not have their game legs with seven days of practice between starts, and their concern was justified.

Nevertheless, Toronto kicked it into gear in the second period thanks in a large part to Phil Kessel who assisted on his team's first goal, scored by Joffrey Lupul, and then struck for his fourth goal in two games when he accepted a picture-perfect long pass from defenceman Carl Gunnarsson, beat Flames defenceman Chris Butler to the outside and then used his rear end to fend off the defender as he snapped a shot past Miikka Kiprusoff.

Kessel then scored the game-winner 41 seconds into the third period on a precise give-and-go with defenceman Cody Franson, who spoke openly about being devastated at being a healthy scratch for his team's first two games, but played solidly in his first game of the season.

The Leafs played impressive hockey through most of the third period, but late in the final frame Mike Brown ran over Kiprusoff and was properly sent off for goalie interference. That's when Steckel took over. His teammates appreciated his efforts, even if those who picked the game stars did not.

"You look at that one draw, when we were short, and he wins it clean," said captain Dion Phaneuf. "He has been really, really good for us when we are shorthanded to start with the puck. And not just when we are shorthanded, but 5-on-5, too. We're starting with the puck most of the time when he's out there because he's winning the draws and it's a big part of winning hockey games. On that one draw we get the puck and it's down the ice. If he loses, they get the puck and we have to start chasing them."

Steckel, 29, recalled the day faceoffs suddenly became a big part of his life. He was playing for Team USA and blew a faceoff assignment - in practice! - and his coach, Bob Mancini, let him have it.

"We were doing a 5-on-5 drill in practice and I won my faceoff, but I let my guy go to the net and he ended up getting the puck and scoring," Steckel said. "Mancini ripped into me. He said, 'Listen, if you want to be an NHL player you have to win draws and look after your man, too.' He kind of reamed me and from that day on winning draws and being responsible in faceoffs has been a priority for me. I knew if I got to the NHL I'd probably play a third-line or fourth-line role so it would be beneficial for me to have winning faceoffs as an extra asset in my game."

Toronto coach Ron Wilson believes winning faceoffs, especially in shorthanded situations, is huge for a team trying to make the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.

"It speaks for itself; when you win faceoffs you get the puck and you get clears or at least a situation where the other team can't run a play," Wilson said. "I'm disappointed sometimes when we don't get a clear, but the defenceman who keeps it in is under pressure and you crash and bang and we're the ones asserting ourselves instead of the other way around. It has helped out penalty killing in a big way."

Veteran hockey columnist Mike Brophy will cover the Toronto Maple Leafs for sportsnet.ca for the 2011/12 season.